Methods and devices for exercising

ABSTRACT

An exercise chair comprises a base and a seat. The seat has a back leg and a front leg. The back leg is pivotally attached to the base and pivots between a first position in which the back leg is at an acute angle between the back leg and the base and a second position in which the angle between the back leg and the base is substantially ninety degrees. When the chair is in the second position, there is a gap between the front leg and the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/009,789, filed on Jan. 2, 2008, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The present invention was not developed with the use of any FederalFunds, but was developed independently by the inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods and devices for exercising, and moreparticularly to full body exercises that comprise body alignmenttechniques, breathing techniques, and working against a clock toexpedite muscle breakdown in minutes without movement. The inventionalso relates to devices used in the performance of said exercises. Inaddition, the exercises of the present invention are designed so theuser may hold weight(s) or exercise position(s) for fixed or variableintervals, typically for a period of seconds and/or minutes in properalignment while displaying a consistent breathing pattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs are satisfied at least in part by the methodand devices for exercising as described hereinafter.

An exercise chair comprises a base and a seat. The seat has a back legand a front leg. The back leg is pivotally attached to the base andpivots between a first position in which the back leg is at an acuteangle between the back leg and the base and a second position in whichthe angle between the back leg and the base is substantially ninetydegrees. When the chair is in the second position, there is a gapbetween the front leg and the base.

The seat may include at least one cushion, preferably two, for thecomfort of the user.

A stopper may be attached to the base which limits the degree ofrotation of the chair past ninety degrees. A soft stopper may beattached to a bottom of the front leg for cushioning the front leg whenit contacts the base. A back support may be provided for supporting theback of the user and maintaining a spinal alignment of the user.

In one form of the invention the chair is pivotal to a third anglebetween the back leg and base which is obtuse. A stopper may be attachedto the base which limits the degree of rotation of the chair past ninetydegrees.

An exercise platform comprises a substantially planar base having a topsurface and a bottom surface. The base has at least one edge forreceiving the bottom of a user's heel. At least one upstanding wallextends outwardly from the base for contacting the back of the user'sheel. At least one slot is included for receiving a vertical supportmember for aligning the back of the user.

The at least one slot may be dimensioned such that a front face of theat least one upstanding wall is flush with a face of the verticalmember. The at least one edge comprises a pair of edges each disposed onopposite sides of the base. One of the edges may have a first heightwhich is greater than the height of the second edge. One edge may have aheight of about 3.25 inches and the second edge has a height of about2.5 inches.

In one form of the invention, the at least one wall comprises aplurality of walls and the at least one slot comprises a plurality ofslots. In another form of the invention, the at least one wall comprisesa plurality of walls and the at least one slot comprises a plurality ofslots. In yet another form the top surface of the base is curved anddefines the edge and the at least one slot is formed at an opposite edgeof the base.

A method for exercising comprises aligning the body, performing timedbreathing, maintaining the aligned body position for a preselectedinterval, and resting for a preselected interval.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofvarious embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the embodiments, there are shown in the drawingsembodiments which are presently preferred. As should be understood,however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to theprecise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a user performing a preferred embodiment of themethod for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a user another preferred embodiment of themethod for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the method of exercising as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a platform forexercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the platform of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the platform of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the platform of FIG. 4 being usedby a user;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the platform of FIG. 4 being usedby a user;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of aplatform for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the platform of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the platform of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of aplatform for exercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a chair forexercising in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 15 being used bya user in which the chair is at a ninety degree angle relative to theground;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 15 being used bya user in which the chair is at a less than ninety degree angle relativeto the ground; and

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 15 being used bya user in which the chair is at a greater than ninety degree anglerelative to the ground;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The Methods ofExercise

In FIGS. 1-18 there are shown various forms of the exercise inventionwhich are presently preferred.

In FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred form of the method for exercisingwhich comprises body alignment techniques, breathing techniques, andworking against a clock to expedite muscle breakdown without movement.As described in greater detail below.

Alignment

As best seen in FIG. 1, in one preferred embodiment of the exercisemethod of the present invention, a user 100 is depicted using thepreferred exercise method. The user's feet 20 are placed firmly on theground 22. The user's weight is distributed on the heels 24. The user'stoes 26 are raised with a slight bend in the knee 28 so that the user'sknees 28 are slightly unlocked.

The height of the platform 16 varies in accordance with the user's footlength so that a consistent angle ranging optimally between about 15degrees and 23 degrees is achieved. This height raises the user's heelenough that a depth of a 90 degree angle at the knees (the mostdifficult depth) can be achieved without the user falling over, but notso high that the user is unable to distribute his weight through theheels. Angles greater than 23 degrees make maintaining this positiondifficult, making the exercise itself easier and not as safe. If theuser cannot pull his toes off the ground (only phalanges, metatarsalsstay on the ground for balance), the user cannot push through the heels.Consequently, the user's weight goes to the toes and then to the knees,and less on the muscles.

In addition, the above angles are calculated from this position. Anglesless than approximately 15 degrees don't permit the user to increase hisdepth to the maximum difficulty level of 90 degrees at the knees, makingthe exercise less difficult. Thus, the range of platform heights thatare suitable depend on the user's foot size.

In this position, the hip flexor muscle 30 is neutral, bringing theabdominal muscles 32 and gluteal muscles 34 to a center point alignment.The body is elongated and straight so the user's heels 24 handle andsupport the user's weight. The user's spine 36 is aligned substantiallyvertically straight. A vertical line 42 is shown for reference to showthe vertical alignment. Typically a stick or other straight device isused to ensure that the user is in proper alignment.

In addition, the user's shoulder blades 38 are in a down and backposition so they are aligned over the user's hips, knees, and ankles.The user's head 40 is facing up and in a neutral position, such as amodel would pose with a book on her head, to reveal perfect posture.

Breathing

In the preferred embodiment, the user's breathing is deep and is bestdescribed as diaphragmatic breathing.

In performing the exercise, the user inhales deeply, followed by apause, then the user takes a long, hearty exhale. Most preferably, theprocess is performed in either about 10 or about 15 seconds perinterval. In another preferred embodiment, the interval can be selectedin the range of about 10 to about 15 seconds, depending on the abilitiesof the user. This breathing process maximizes the oxygen going into themuscles, allowing for a stronger muscular contraction as well as raisingthe heart rate for a built in cardiovascular workout.

Timed Exercise and Rest Interval

Once in the aligned exercise position, the exerciser, while breathingproperly, holds the position for about one minute as determined based onthe exerciser's ability/aptitude. After, this position maintaininginterval the exerciser shall endure a period of rest for about 15 to 30seconds thereafter. The exercise process is preferably repeated 10 timesdepending upon the exerciser's ability/aptitude.

Additional Exercises in Accordance with Present Invention

The above-described method of exercising may be performed with manyvariations falling within the scope of the present invention. Thefollowing are some examples of some of the preferred variations. Itshould be understood that other variations are possible that fall withinthe scope of the present invention.

A. Full Body Flexor

As best seen in FIGS. 2-3, the user 100 is depicted performing a fullbody flexor exercise in accordance with the present invention. In thefull body flexor exercise, the user's heel's 24 are placed on a two tofour inch high platform 16. The height of the platform 16 determines theangle of the user's foot as described below. The user's weight isdistributed on the heels 24. The user's toes 26 are raised with a slightbend in the knee 28 so that the knees are slightly unlocked.

In this exercise, the user's hip flexor muscle 30 is in a neutralposition, bringing the abdominal muscles 32 and the gluteal muscles 34to a center point alignment. The user's abdominal muscles 32 are pulledinward. The body is elongated and straight so that the user's heel 24handles and supports most of the user's weight. The user's spine 36 isaligned substantially vertically straight.

The user's shoulder blades 38 are down and back so they are aligned overthe user's hips, knees, and ankles. The user's head 40 is in an up andneutral position to reveal substantially perfect posture.

In one form of the invention, the vertical alignment is achieved withthe assistance of a straight board 44, such as a 2×4 piece ofdimensional lumber. Alternately, any dimensional lumber board, wall,vertical planar surface, or the like may be used to keep the usersspine/back straight. It should be understood that many different sizesof board or dimensional lumber are suitable for use with the presentinvention.

As best seen in FIG. 2, a board 46 may be held by the user 100 in theuser's hands 48. The user 100 holds the board 46 in front of his or herchest 50 with the elbows 52 bent at substantially a 90 degree angle. Theboard 46 also maintains the width of the arm positioning to apredetermined width (i.e., the length of the board). The user may flexthe bicep/tricep by pressing board tightly to increase the exerciseload.

A ball 54 may be used in conjunction with the board 46 to ensure properhorizontal positioning of the board 46 and thereby proper alignment ofthe user's arms. A chamfered groove 56 may be formed in the top planarsurface of the board 46 forming a track in which the ball 54 is free toroll in. The groove 56 limits the movement of the ball when the board 46is not balanced properly by the user and limits the ability of the ballto fall off the board. In use the user 100 maintains proper armalignment by keeping the ball balanced on the board with the help of thegroove.

In performing one preferred version of the exercise, the user lowersdown at the knee without breaking the position/alignment shown in FIGS.2-3 to a level determined by skill-level/body shape of the user. Once inthis lowered position, the user holds steady breathing on intervals ofabout 10 to 15 seconds utilizing deep inhales and long, hearty exhalesfor one minute or another selected or determined time based on aptitudeor ability. The user endures a period of rest for about 15 to 30 secondsthereafter. This process is repeated about 10 times.

It should be understood that there are numerous adaptations ofconventional exercises that may be adapted to use the method forexercising of the present invention. A representative sampling of theseexercises will be described in connection with the invention. It shouldbe understood that other existing exercises also fall within the scopeof the present invention as being suitable for modification using theusing method for exercising of the present invention.

For example, one such suitable exercise that may be performed inconjunction with the exercise of the present invention is thetraditional bicep curl as modified by the method for exercising of thepresent invention. In the modified bicep curl exercise, the user engagesin the alignment and breathing activities as described above and inaccordance with the present invention. The user may hold either dumbbells or a curl bar for about one minute at about a 90 degree angle.Then user then takes a break for about 15 to 30 seconds. The exercisemay be repeated up to about 10 times, as described above.

B. Bench Exercises

Various exercises conventional performed with the aid of an exercisebench may also be used in conjunction with the present invention. Forexample, the user may lie down on the bench with his shoulders down andhis back touching the bench. The user's arms do not break the plane ofthe back/bench (alternately, bench exercises may be performed on thefloor to ensure that the user's elbows do not break the plane of thefloor in contrast to traditional bench exercises.) The user's pelvis istilted such that all of his back touches the bench. In one form of thebench exercise the user's knees may be raised up such that the user'sheels touch the bench. In this position the user's toes are pulled upand back towards the user's shins.

In another form, the user's legs are raised at a 90 degree angle to thebody so that the upper legs are vertical and the knees are bent at a 90degree angle so that the lower legs are horizontal.

Balls may be placed between the user's knees and feet to maintain theproper width alignment of the legs. In another form a weight may beapplied to the users lower legs to increase the work applied to themuscles. In another form, the legs may be bent such that the knee is ata substantially 136 degree angle.

While performing the bench exercise, the user may perform variousconventional bench exercises such as a bench press, flye, rock hold, ortricep extension while maintaining the alignment of the presentinvention.

It should be understood that other conventional bench exercises may beadapted to follow the techniques of the present invention.

C. Standing Exercises

Various exercises employing a standing position, such as that shown inFIGS. 1-3 may be adapted to follow the techniques of the presentinvention. For example a side lateral dumbbell curl, front dumbbellraise, or bicep curl exercise may be performed.

D. Push-Up Position Exercises

Various exercises employing a push-up position, with or without the useof a bench, may be adapted to follow the techniques of the presentinvention. For example, the user may perform a conventional push-up,with the feet, knees, and/or hands on the floor or raised on an exercisebench.

E. Bent Over Position Exercises

Various exercises employing a bent over position can be adapted tofollow the techniques of the present invention, such as a conventionalbent-over row, various bent-over lateral exercises, or a bent-overstretch exercise. In performing the bent over exercises, the legs areextended as much as possible without locking the knees and the heels arein vertical alignment up to the tailbone. A ball may be placed on theuser's back to ensure properly horizontal alignment of the user's back.

F. Seated Row and Rope Chair Exercises

Various exercises employing a seated row position and/or a rope chairmay be adapted to follow the techniques of the present invention. Forexample, a conventional seated row exercise or a rope chair exercise maybe performed. As described in greater detail below, the inventive chairof the present invention may be employed while performing the seatedexercises.

G. Lunge Position Exercises

Various exercises employing a lunge position may be adapted to followthe techniques of the present invention. For example, conventional lungeexercises may be performed in which the user's body maintains thealignment of the present invention. For example, the user's torso iskept perpendicular to the floor, the user's back leg thigh is parallelto the torso while the front leg shin is also parallel to the torso. Inaddition, the user's arms are free to perform any of the various armexercises and leg positioning as described above.

H. Seated Exercises

Various exercises employing a seated position may be adapted to followthe techniques of the present invention. Or example, front raises,shoulder presses, and bicep curls may be performed while performing theexercise of the present invention. As described in greater detail below,the inventive chair of the present invention may be employed whileperforming the seated exercises so that the preferred alignmentpositions of the present invention, as described in greater detailabove, may be achieved. In addition to the using the chair of thepresent invention, any of the seated exercises can be preformed whilethe user stands with his back against a vertical support, such as awall, and with his legs in about a ninety degree with the heels down,toes pulled back towards shins, with the user's legs performing the workof the chair to hold themselves in this position.

I. Reclining Exercises

Various exercises employing a reclined position may be adapted to followthe techniques of the present invention. In a normal seated position(user on seat, feet on ground) or a modified seated position with thefeet on an even plane with the seat (i.e., feet on bench while sittingon bench, sitting on floor with feet also on floor), the user reclinesthe back by about 45 degrees (making a 135 degree angle total at thehips) while keeping the back straight in the alignment of the presentinvention. Exercises that can also be done seated such as the frontraises, lateral raises, biceps, tricep dip, and the like, may beperformed from this position for increased abdominal challenge.

Exercise Devices in Accordance with Present Invention

The following are some of the devices of the present exercise inventionthat facilitate performing the inventive method. It should be understoodthat other devices are contemplated and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

The Exercise Platforms

One preferred platform for performing the full body exercise of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 4 to 9. The platform 110 comprises abase 112. The base 112 has a top surface face 114 and a bottom surfaceface 116.

The base 112 permits the platform 110 to rest on any planar surface suchas a floor. It should be understood that the base 112 is typicallyplanar to be complementary with the planar surface upon which it ispositioned during use; however, the base 112 may take on other shapes toadapt to other non-planar surfaces, such as uneven ground or otheruneven terrain. A non-slide or non-slip surface 118 may be applied tothe underside 116 of the base 112 to prevent the platform from movingupon the forces applied by the user 100 while performing the exercisesof the present invention.

The platform 110 includes a first edge 120 along one of the lateralsides of the platform 110 and a second edge 122 along the other lateralside. As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the edges 120 and 122 areconstructed to be thicker than the base and of a thickness to properlyraise the user's heel 24 as described above in connection with themethods of FIGS. 2 and 3. Preferably, the thickness of edge 120 is about3.25 inches and the thickness of edge 122 is about 2.5 inches. Thethickness of the edges 120 and 122 determine the angle of the user'sfoot.

The height of the platform varies in accordance with the user's footlength so that a consistent angle ranging optimally between about 15degrees and 23 degrees is achieved. This height raises the user's heelenough that a depth of a 90 degree angle at the knees (the mostdifficult depth) can be achieved without the user falling over, but notso high that the user is unable to distribute his weight through theheels. Angles greater than 23 degrees make maintaining this positiondifficult, making the exercise itself easier and not as safe. If theuser cannot pull his toes off the ground (only phalanges, metatarsalsstay on the ground for balance), the user cannot push through the heels.Consequently, the user's weight goes to the toes and then to the knees,and less on the muscles.

In addition, the above angles are calculated from this position. Anglesless than approximately 15 degrees don't permit the user to increase hisdepth to the maximum difficulty level of 90 degrees at the knees, makingthe exercise less difficult. Thus, the range of platform heights thatare suitable depend on the user's foot size.

A protruding wall 124 is formed adjacent to edge 120 and a protrudingwall 126 is formed adjacent edge 122. The walls 124 and 126 are providedto ensure that the user's heel is properly positioned on the edges 120and 122 respectively when the user is performing the exercise of thepresent invention. The walls 124 and 126 ensure that the contact betweenthe sole of the user's feet/shoes and the corner of the edge 120 and 122is accurate to ensure the correct alignment of the user's legs and feet.The back of the user's heel is intended to be vertically aligned withthe users back as described above.

Slots 128 and 130 may be formed in the base 112 of the platform 110 toaccept a vertical alignment member 44 as described above and is bestseen in FIGS. 7 and 8. The slots 128 and 130 are positioned on the basesuch that a front surface 134 of the vertical support member 44 is flushwith the front surfaces 136 and 138 of the walls 124 and 126respectively as best seen in FIGS. 6-8. Preferably the depth of the base112 is sufficient to provide the slots 128 and 130 with sufficient depthto keep the vertical support member plumb or vertical. Alternately,other positioning markings and or alignments may be employed to ensurethe proper vertical alignment and positioning of the vertical member 44.

In FIGS. 10-13 an alternate embodiment of the platform 110 is shown. InFIGS. 10-13, like reference numerals indicate like elements with respectto the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-9.

The platform 210 comprises a base 212. The base 212 bottom surface face216. A non-slide or non-slip surface 218 may be applied to the underside216 of the base 212 to prevent the platform from moving upon the forcesapplied by the user 200 while performing the exercises of the presentinvention.

The platform 210 includes a first edge 220 along one of the lateralsides of the platform 210 and a second edge 222 along the other lateralside. Preferably, the thickness of edge 220 is about 3.25 inches and thethickness of edge 222 is about 2.5 inches.

A protruding wall 224 is Formed adjacent to edge 220 and a protrudingwall 226 is formed adjacent edge 222. The walls 224 and 226 are providedto ensure that the user's heel is properly positioned on the edges 220and 222 respectively, as described above, when the user is performingthe exercise of the present invention.

A Slot 228 and 130 may be formed in the base 212 of the platform 210 toaccept a vertical alignment member 44. The slot 228 is positioned on thebase such that a front surface 234 of the vertical support member 44 isflush with the front surfaces 236 and 238 of the walls 224 and 226respectively.

The platform 210 is substantially similar to platform 110 with theexception that the width of the base 112 is reduced such that theupstanding walls 224 and 226 are back to back. This increases theportability of the platform and reduces its weight. In addition, onlyone slot 228 is required for accepting the vertical member. The slot ispositioned and sized such that one face of vertical member is alignedwith the front face 224 and the other face of the vertical member isaligned with the front face 226.

In FIG. 14, there is shown another alternate platform 314 that issimilar to platforms 110 and 310 but simplified.

The platform 310 comprises a base 312. The base 312 has a rounded,curved, or oval shaped top surface face 314 and a flat bottom surfaceface 316. The height of the top surface 314 is designed to be similar infunctioning and height to the edges 120 and 122 of the first boardembodiment so as to properly positions the user's heel 24 as describedabove in connection with the methods of FIGS. 2 and 3

A slot 328 is cut out from one side of the base 312 to accept a verticalalignment member 344 as described above. The preferred form of thevertical member 344 of this embodiment is a conventional doorjamb, butit should be understood that any vertical member, such as thosedescribed in connection with the previous embodiments may be used. Theslot 228 is positioned on the base such that a front surface of thevertical support member 344, in this case the doorjamb, is flush withthe front surface of the slot 328.

The Exercise Chair

As best seen in FIGS. 15-18, one most preferred chair device 500 inaccordance with the present invention is depicted. In one form of theinvention, the chair 500 is a freestanding workout device that can beused alone for a total body workout or can additionally incorporate oneor more of many upper body workouts, such as those described above, forgreater challenge. Extra resistance can be used in the upper body in theform of dumbbells and barbells or on the lap for increased lower bodychallenge. The difficulty can be tailored to the individual, allowingthe chair 500 to be suitable for anyone.

The chair 500 includes a hinge 502 that connects the back leg 504 of thechair to the base 506. The hinge 502 permits the chair 500 to pivotforward and backwards into various inclined positions (FIG. 17 shows aless than ninety degree angle while FIG. 18 shows a greater than ninetydegree angle), including a substantially vertical position (FIG. 16),while the base frame 506 remains stable on the floor.

The front leg 508 is constructed to be about 2 inches shorter than theback leg so that the chair may be pivoted, as described above. There isa rubber cap 510 on the end of front leg 508 which prevents scratcheswhen this leg 508 is resting on the base frame 506 when not in use.

As shown in FIG. 16, the person doing the exercise begins the exerciseby placing his or her feet on the floor, hip width apart, with kneescreating right angles. The user's heels are kept down with the toespulled back toward the shins, evenly distributing weight onto the lowerbody muscles and away from joints.

A rubber stopper 514 is placed behind the back leg 504 of the chair withenough room to prevent the chair from reclining further than about 85degrees, as shown in FIG. 18. Other devices suitable for preventingover-pivoting are contemplated by the present invention.

As best seen in FIG. 16, the user pushes back into the chair 500 toraise the front leg 508 off of the base 506. When the chair 500 islifted, the most difficult position is with the seat 516 positioned at asubstantially right angle to the floor. When the chair 500 leans eitherforwards (FIG. 17) or backwards (FIG. 18) away from this substantially50 degree position (preferably between about 85 degrees and about 95degrees), the workload on the person is less. And, the exercise benefitsof the present invention are commensurately reduced

The chair exercise of the present invention can be made easier byplacing an object, such as a 2″ thick spacer, such as a dimensionalpiece of lumber or block of wood, underneath the front leg 508 so thatthe user does not have to lift the chair at all, exerting less energy.This allows a user who is not strong enough to lift the chair for all orpart of the workout to perform some or all of the workout in this easyposition. With time and practice, the person becomes able to lift thechair for longer periods of time until the entire workout is performedwith the chair lifted.

The most preferred exercise utilizing the chair 500 is done according tothe alignment of the method for exercising of the present inventiondescribed above. The legs are placed in right angles as shown in FIG.16, as described above, with his heels down and toes pulled back towardsshins. The pelvis is tilted forward so that all vertebrae are touchingthe back of the seat. The shoulders are kept down and back with thechest elevated. If the arms are performing any additional exercise,elbows do not drift back beyond the plane of the back. If viewed fromthe side that means that the space where the body and the chair meet canalways be seen.

The other principles of the exercise method of the present invention,described in detail above, may also be used while performing theexercise in the chair 500. It should be noted that in the preferredusage of the chair, the user does not lift the chair to performrepetitions; once the chair is lifted at the start of a set, thisalignment is maintained until the user collapses safely in the chair.

The breathing regimen of the present invention, described above, andfollowing the timed interval procedure (as described above) is observedas with all exercises in the preferred exercise method. In eitherposition, other optional exercises using the upper body (with or withoutadditional resistance) can be performed for a high intensity total bodyworkout. Examples include a bicep, side lateral, and shoulder press doneas described above. If a user so chooses, however, they can lift thechair 500 as explained above while doing their own workout with theirupper body.

The particular embodiments described herein are provided by way ofexample and are not meant in any way to limit the scope of the claimedinvention. It is understood that the invention is not limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. Without further elaboration, the foregoingwill so fully illustrate the invention, that others may by current orfuture knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under the variousconditions of service.

1. An exercise chair comprising: a base; a seat for a user having a backleg and a front leg, the back leg being pivotally attached to the basebetween a first position in which the back leg is at an acute anglebetween the back leg and the base and a second position in which theangle between the back leg and the base is substantially ninety degrees;and wherein when the chair is in the second position, there is a gapbetween the front leg and the base.
 2. The exercise chair in accordancewith claim 1 wherein the chair is pivotal to a third angle between theback leg and base which is obtuse.
 3. The exercise chair in accordancewith claim 2 further comprising a stopper attached to the base whichlimits the degree of rotation of the chair past ninety degrees.
 4. Theexercise chair in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a softstopper attached to a bottom of the front leg for cushioning the frontleg when it contacts the base.
 5. The exercise chair in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the seat comprises a back support for supporting theback of the user and maintaining a spinal alignment of the user.
 6. Theexercise chair in accordance with claim 5 wherein the chair is pivotalto a third angle between the back leg and base which is obtuse.
 7. Theexercise chair in accordance with claim 6 further comprising a stopperattached to the base which limits the degree of rotation of the chairpast ninety degrees.
 8. The exercise chair in accordance with claim 7further comprising a soft stopper attached to a bottom of the front legfor cushioning the front leg when it contacts the base.
 9. The exercisechair in accordance with claim 1 further wherein the seat comprises atleast one cushion for the comfort of the user.
 10. An exercise platformcomprising: a substantially planar base having a top surface and abottom surface; the base having at least one edge for receiving thebottom of a user's heel; at least one upstanding wall extendingoutwardly from the base for contacting the back of the user's heel; andat least one slot for receiving a vertical support member for aligningthe back of the user.
 11. The exercise platform in accordance with claim10 wherein the at least one slot is dimensioned such that a front faceof the at least one upstanding wall is flush with a face of the verticalmember.
 12. The exercise platform in accordance with claim 10 in whichthe at least one edge comprises a pair of edges each disposed onopposite sides of the base.
 13. The exercise platform in accordance withclaim 12 in which one of the edges is a first height which is greaterthan the height of the second edge.
 14. The exercise platform inaccordance with claim 13 in which the one edge has a height of about3.25 inches and the second edge has a height of about 2.5 inches. 15.The exercise platform in accordance with claim 12 wherein the at leastone wall comprises a plurality of walls and the at least one slotcomprises a plurality of slots.
 16. The exercise platform in accordancewith claim 14 wherein the at least one wall comprises a plurality ofwalls and the at least one slot comprises a plurality of slots.
 17. Theexercise platform in accordance with claim 10 wherein the top surface ofthe base is curved and defines the edge and the at least one slot isformed at an opposite edge of the base.
 18. A method for exercisingcomprising: aligning the body; performing timed breathing; maintainingthe aligned body position for a preselected interval; and resting for apreselected interval.